IRELAND WOLVES have named a squad for 14 for their six-match tour of England later this month, where they will play Gloucestershire Seconds, Bath, and Bristol University in both T20 and 50-over matches
Five players with senior international experience are included by the selectors - left-arm teenage paceman Josh Little, wicket-keeper batsman Lorcan Tucker, batsmen David Rankin and James Shannon, plus all-rounder Tyrone Kane.
There are a number of new faces, none more so than Clontarf speedster David Delany, as well as North County's hard hitting keeper batsman Jamie Grassi and Merrion bowler Max Neville - both of whom are in the current Ireland Under 19 side.
This tour represents the first opportunity for the Wolves to play limited overs cricket and with six games in just four days, it will provide ideal preparation for their high profile clashes against Bangladesh on the 10th of May in Stormont, and New Zealand the following day at Leinster.
Wolves Head Coach Peter Johnston is relishing the opportunity for the squad to test themsleves over the coming weeks, and for players to stake their claim for senior places.
"These games will give this squad an opportunity to demonstrate the progress they have made over a winter of hard work, and all will be vying for a place in the squad to play Bangladesh and New Zealand," said Johnston.
"All but one player, emerging Clontarf fast bowler David Delany, are part of the Shapoorji Pallonji Academy. This winter the Academy ran an extensive programme which is geared towards giving our athletes the best opportunity to have successful careers with Ireland and also to be the best they can be in life," added the former Ireland assistant coach.
"A forthcoming training Camp in La Manga Spain will provide further preparation for the Senior and Emerging Academy. Already this winter the Academy has been supported by regular specialist coaching from former players Andrew White, John Mooney and Academy Coach Ryan Eagleson along with current international star Ed Joyce.
"There has also been additional support from practitioners across all areas of sport science, and further specialist coaching from Stuart Barnes (fast bowling), Matthew Spriegel (spin bowling) and Julian Wood (power hitting)."
In keeping with Ireland’s vision to play Test Cricket and bridging the gap from Provincial to International Cricket, later in the season the Wolveswill switch to multi-day cricket with fixtures planned against Scotland, Gloucestershire and MCC.
IRELAND WOLVES SQUAD
David Delany (Clontarf), Adam Dennison (Waringstown/Northern Knights), Shane Getkate, (CSNI/Northern Knights), Jamie Grassi (North County/Leinster Lightning), Tyrone Kane (Merrion/Leinster Lightning), Josh Little (Pembroke), James McCollum (Waringstown/Northern Knights), Robert McKinley (Instonians/Northern Knights), Max Neville (Merrion), David Rankin (Bready/North West Warriors), James Shannon (Instonians/ Northern Knights), Simi Singh (YMCA/Leinster Lightning), Jack Tector (YMCA/Leinster Lightning), Lorcan Tucker (Pembroke/Leinster Lightning).
FIXTURESThursday 20th April:
Ireland Wolves vs Bristol University – 50 Overs @ Bristol University
Friday 21st April:
Ireland Wolves vs Gloucestershire 2nds – 50 Overs @ Bristol University
Saturday 22nd April:
Ireland Wolves vs Gloucestershire 2nds – 20 Overs @ Bath CC
Ireland Wolves vs Bath CC – 20 Over @ Bath CC
Sunday 23rd April:
Ireland Wolves vs Gloucestershire 2nds – 20 Overs @Bristol University
Ireland Wolves vs Bristol University – 20 Overs @ Bristol University